Carmella Mary Pennick

Carmella Mary Pennick, age 89

Troy - Carmella Mary Pennick, age 89, of 12th Street, entered eternal life, February 24, 2013, at her residence after a brief illness.

Born in Troy, Carmella, remembered by all as "Nanny", was the daughter of the late Guissippie Ciannamea and Pasqua Francese Ciannamea, and wife of the late Alphonsus A. Pennick. Carmella resided in Troy.

Carmella will be forever remembered for her love of life, relishing the sound of birds, beautiful sunny days perfect for exercising by her long walks. She was a dedicated homemaker; famous for her pies, and endless recipes. Her life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Carmella was a very kind and gentle woman; she had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others.

Carmella was taught the fine skill of sewing at a young age, and will always be remembered for her unselfishness and perfection to detail in her creations of clothing; which continued years after employment outside the home. She began her career in fashion as a seamstress for Tiny Town Togs, continuing with Wultex Factory working on men's suits. She was employed at Berk-Ray Factory/ Marshall-Ray as a seamstress on WWII Clothing, specifically making jackets for the soldiers. Carmella's talent afforded her the opportunity of working for Muhlfelder's, and Lord & Tann. Her life-long career continued with her sisters Lucretia at Lucretia's Bridal Shop (Troy) and Justine at April's Bridal Shop (Troy), and Loretta Lane's Bridal Shop (Latham).

Among her many accomplishments, being a member of the Flying Fortress Museum afforded her the opportunity to fly in a World War II B-17 Bomber in her 80's; a cherished memory. She was a communicant of the former St. Paul the Apostle Church for over 65 years, a member of the NENY Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War (supportive of her late husband), Den Mother of the Boy Scout's Troop #50, Troy Bowling League, and the Mont Pleasant Card Group.

She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her four children, Alan J. and Kathleen Pennick (Colonie),Lisa P. and Hassan Hamedani (Clifton Park), Neil J. and Nancy Pennick (Latham), and Holly A. and Steven Ackerknecht (Cobleskill); her grandchildren, Alan Pennick Jr., Alyson Tower, Neichole Keefer, Anthony Pennick, MarYam and Nina Hamedani, Lucas Ackerknecht, AnneMarie, Anthony and Adam Porcaro; her great-grandchildren, Ashley and Andrew Keefer, Colin and Emmarie Tower, and Kiley and Tate Pennick; a brother, Nicholas Ciannamea of Troy, two sisters, Anna Kehn (Michigan), and Nancy Morrissey (Troy); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters, Lucretia Rizzo, Justine Graber, and Antonette Yamin, and a brother, Joseph Ciannamea.

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc, 276 Pawling Avenue, Troy on Wednesday from 4-7pm.

Funeral services will be held, Thursday at 9 AM at the funeral home, followed by a 9:30am service at St. Anthony Shrine Church, Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mario Jullian, Pastor.

Interment will be in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.

Contributions in memory of Carmella Mary Pennick may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110, The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Boulevard, Rensselaer, NY 12144, or Northeast NY Chapter American Ex-POW's 11 Kings Road Gansevoort, NY 12831.

Add A Private Note To The Family Guest Book

 Service Information